“We mustn’t do that. We’ll speak again, Worthless. Perhaps then we can discuss your Father, whoever that is.”
We left the room. The door shut, and we couldn’t hear him anymore. Lakki said, “You really enjoyed that, didn’t you, Captain?”
“Yes, I’m afraid I did. I’m a bad man, it’s true.”
“What caused you to change so much?”
“I found out the instruction I was depending on for guidance was flawed. I decided to do what felt right. On top of that, my wife was injured in the attack.”
Dingus said, “Beyond that, I think he’s put up with about all the nonsense from your people that he wants to.”
Lakki replied, “I’ve heard that it is dangerous to push the Captain too far. Is he likely to become violent?”
Dingus replied, “I’d say he’s more likely to let Tex take one of their ships apart, piece by piece, while they do their best to fight him.”
“Wouldn’t that be violent?”
“Nope. He would make sure Tex didn’t let their pressure out. He would just embarrass them no end. Then, judging by the mood he’s in, he would probably lead the boarding party himself, over Sally’s objections.”
“I guess I don’t understand. What would that accomplish, the Captain being the one to go aboard and retrieve the stunned crewmen?”
Dingus said, “I don’t think he would stun them first. He seems to be in a mood where he would enjoy a good, old-fashioned gun fight.”
“I still don’t understand why him stunning them personally would be important.”
“He wouldn’t stun them. He likes to get fancy and shoot people through the arm so that they can’t shoot at him.”
I said, “Okay, Dingus. You’re right. It does sound like a dumb idea when you spell it out like that.”
Lakki looked at me, a little shocked. “You mean that was actually what you were thinking?”
“More or less. It always sounds so dramatic when he tells it.”
“How did he know?”
“We’ve been working together for a while. He knows how I think.”
Dingus said, “Besides, that’s what I would want to do, if I were him.”
“My people really have aggravated you guys, haven’t they?”
I said, “Yes, indeed. Do you think he’s calmed down enough we can go at him again, without putting his life at risk?”
“I would think so. You wouldn’t want to let him calm down too much, anyhow.”
I gathered myself and walked back in. He was sitting at the table, trying to look calm. I said, “Hello, Shitstain. Are you ready to talk yet?” I walked over and pulled his chair away from the table. “At least you didn’t wet yourself, like the last one. Why have you brought your foul stench into my sky?”
“I came to end you, monkey.” I looked down at the chains on him. “How’s that working out for you?”
“Even if I don’t succeed, there will be more after me. Your days are numbered.”
“You really think your buddies in the walnut cartel can keep convincing the military to send ships, when none return? Sooner or later, this little misadventure is going to get too expensive.”
“It would be worth a few ships, to rid the cosmos of an uppity monkey like you.”
“How many times can I come and dump your ships in orbit around Oak, before people start asking questions?”
“What are you babbling about?”
“The suicide mission that came in before you. We hauled them back to Oak, and left them in orbit there.”
“You know where Oak is?”
“Yep. My crew has experience altering the orbit of asteroids, as well.”
“Is that a threat?”
“Sounded like a statement of fact, to me.”
“It is of no matter. The defenses at Oak are strong.”
“The defenses at Oak have been on garrison duty too long. Their readiness is nonexistent. They weren’t even able to respond before we left the system.”
His eyes began to get big. If I squinted, I think I could have seen the light bulb over his head. He said, “You really went there, didn’t you?”
“We did, and got away unscathed.”
“I’m just supposed to take your word for it?”
“What kind of proof could I offer you, that you would believe hadn’t been faked?”
“I see what you mean. Anything you could show me, I could claim you had faked, and your effort would have been wasted.”
“You saw how easily my crew captured your ships. Do you think a crew that skilled couldn’t get into orbit around Oak?”
“No. If I were looking for a crew to perform such a mission, this would be the crew I would try to get.”
“It would seem to be up to you to decide if you believe me or not.”
“So it would. Could I have some time to think on what you have said?”
“I’m not inclined to let you, but let me consult my associates. Perhaps they can convince me that mercy is the better option.” I stepped out, and the others came out of the observation room. I asked, “What do you think, did I get through to him?”
Dingus said, “I’m not sure. It seemed like he folded awfully easy.”
I replied, “You saw that too. I was hoping it was my imagination.”
Lakki said, “He is convinced of the truth of what you said, but he isn’t sure what he should do about it.”
“How do we convince him to quit trying to destroy us?”
Lakki said, “I’m not sure, Captain. Would you mind if I talked to him for a bit?” Mr. Sloan could monitor me, if you like.”
I replied, “Look me in the eyes, please. Are you going to pass him a message?”
“No, of course not.” She passed. I said, “Good enough for me. Go right ahead.”
Lakki went back into the interview room. The rest of us went into the observation room. Our guest perked up. “I
